Allen head bolts, which are also called socket cap screws, are great for limited space installation areas. They can be used in wood building projects, home restorations, connecting or fastening spare parts and more.
The bolts come in a variety of materials. Each type should be wisely chosen depending on the outlined purpose.
Size
The main advantage of allen head bolts is that they require less space than other types of screws and bolts. They also have superior strength and stability. This makes them the perfect choice for confined spaces where there is limited access.
Socket head cap screws, or allen bolts, are available in a variety of sizes and materials. They feature a hexagonal socket in the head and are installed using an allen wrench or hex key. They are used in a wide variety of applications and can be found in cars, boats, and machinery based equipment.
The material used to make allen bolts is duplex 2507 stainless steel. This type of stainless steel is known for its high yield strength and resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking. It is also corrosion-resistant and has a low coefficient of friction. The size of allen head bolts varies by diameter and length. They can be fully threaded or partially threaded.
Material
Allen screws are available in a variety of grades and materials. Depending on the application, some are better suited for specific uses than others. Some are made of a high-tensile or duplex steel. Some are also resistant to chloride stress corrosion cracking.
Hex socket bolts are often used in machinery, vehicles and engineering equipment. They strongly bolt parts together, and the hexagonal head allows them to be tightened with a hex wrench or allen key. They are great for applications where space is limited, as their unique cylindrical shape actually saves space compared to other types of fasteners.
To avoid stripping the screw head or head threads, spray a little lubricant around the screw and into the bolt hole if possible. If the bolt is frozen in place, use a drill with a bit slightly smaller than the diameter of the bolt to break its grip. If you are unable to dislodge the bolt, try using a screw extractor kit.
Tightening
As the name suggests, allen head bolts are easily tightened using an allen wrench or hex key. This type of screw is commonly used in flat-pack furniture to provide strong and stable connections between the pieces.
The bolts are available in a variety of sizes, including fully threaded or partially threaded varieties. Fully threaded screws have a thread length equal to their overall screw length and can be installed into a fully-threaded hole. Partially threaded screws, on the other hand, have an unthreaded section under the head and require only a hex wrench to be tightened.
To unscrew an allen head bolt, insert the short end of the wrench into the screw head and turn it counterclockwise. If the screw does not budge, apply lube and use channel-lock pliers to gain additional leverage. It is important to not over-tighten these types of screws, as this can strip the threads and cause damage to the piece of furniture. For added safety and control, consider using a torque wrench.
Removal
Allen head bolts, also known as socket screws, are versatile threaded fasteners that offer great strength and stability. They can be used in tight spaces and are easy to install with an Allen wrench. However, they are susceptible to getting stripped and can be difficult to remove once this happens.
To prevent your allen set screw from becoming stripped, use a drill bit that is smaller than the screw’s head and apply lubricating oil before drilling. Then, place a screw extractor in the hole and turn it clockwise. Repeat this step if needed until the screw is removed.
If you find that your Allen screw has a stripped head, try tapping it lightly with a nail or pliers and then applying spray penetrant to loosen it. If this fails, you can grind down the damaged head using a Dremel tool to expose fresh hex material. If you have no access to a Dremel, try using a hex chisel to remove the screw.